Brandon has all the problems eighteen-year-old guys have—an overbearing mother, a little brother he could do without, and two slightly pushy best friends. When he goes dancing one night, he doesn't expect to find himself with more problems—and a mate. Maddox is a loner, and he likes it. He trusts his numerous pets more than most humans, but some people don't allow him to push them away, like Asher, his coworker and best friend. Asher is the only reason Maddox finds himself dragged to the club even though he hates crowds and dancing. And when he steps into the bathroom and realizes something is happening in one of the stalls, the evening takes a turn for the worse. Someone drugged his mate and assaulted him. Brandon knows he was lucky Maddox stepped in when he did, but when the man who drugged him escapes before being taken to the council jail, he expects things to go south. He's not sure why Maddox offers him to stay at his house, since he clearly loves living alone, but he's not about to say no to the possibility of getting to know his mate better, even though Maddox keeps him at arm's length. But the man who drugged Brandon is on the run, and he's coming for Brandon. Will Maddox be able to keep his mate safe—even from himself? Or will he break Brandon's heart before losing him?